I can't grow zoas for the life of me!

[TbyZ]

The LFS runs a nano zeovit with acros & zoas, no fish. He feeds the tank heaps apparently.

 

[buckroe07]

How do you keep the algae growth at bay with high nutrients in the water?

With a clean up crew, algae grazing fish, and not keeping lights on too long. Also, when they say nutrients, it not high. NO3 less than 10 and PO4 less than .1. And those numbers are higher or lower depending on what works for their tank.

 

[buckroe07]

Not good. You will have problems with too much iodine!
Grandis.

I guess his zoas like being in too much iodine!

 

[buckroe07]

How is the water flow around them?

 

[Sandroni]

All good advice from @saltyfilmfolks, per usual

What are you seeing happen to your frags? They definitely prefer nutrients in the water, but I haven't lost frags to low nutrients. They usually just don't grow.

they melt and turn brownish

 

[Sandroni]

Do you have fish in the tank? How many polyps, on average, do the zoa frags have? It takes longer for smaller frags to grow. At least that has been my experience.

Yes a pair of clowns, but they are harmless they are afraid of everything. and the frags are always so small!!! about 1-3 heads!!!

 

[Sandroni]

Dose an iodine supplement. I use Kent's Lugols solution. My zoa's have grown like weeds since.

I was reading about that, I might give that try

 

[Sandroni]

How is the water flow around them?

Moderate to low it is a biocube stock pump, so it doesn't do anything too aggressive

 

[Sandroni]

No nutrients needed in my tank!
I've had my tank very healthy with undetectable nutrients for years and years.
There must be something else happening.
Perhaps the tank is too young or something like that.
"Dirty water" is a myth, my friends!
Grandis.

My tank is has been established for around a month, but when would be the right time?

 

[ahiggins]

Well, I have been trying 1 month so far and have gone through 5 frags. Weekly water changes, leds are on for around 6 hours

less water changes = more nitrates
more fish = more fish poop = more nitrates
IMO I would up the light cycle to at least 9. Mines on for 10-12 depending on time of the year.

 

[Watevadog5]

Agreed on more then 6 hours of light. Personally I find my zoas like " dirtier" water.

 

[bruleyii]

How do you keep the algae growth at bay with high nutrients in the water?

You could set up an algae scrubber. Instead of no algae just have it grow where you dont see it!

 

[iramack]

I have had no luck with them in my 45 gallon mixed reef...............Until NOW! It is 13 months up and running. I placed a new colony on the sand bed in the back right corner where it gets low/mod flow and moderately bright indirect light from my twin Kessil 160's. Seems to be doing fine so far. I am hopeful that it is the age and stability of the tank/water that is helping them to thrive. They have been in for a month or so now.

Stay tuned.

Steve

 

[diablomaster9045]

How can I safely raise nitrates without causing a spike?

change your weekly water changes to bi weekly or once a month.

 

[iramack]

Per my post above......................Let your tank mature a bit and try after 3-4 months.

Steve

 

[Tooch]

Yes a pair of clowns, but they are harmless they are afraid of everything. and the frags are always so small!!! about 1-3 heads!!!

My zoa frags grew at a stubbornly slow pace for about two years in my 75g with T5 lights. I tried a bunch of different combos with ATI bulbs. 6 months ago I made the switch to SB Reefbrite LED's, and the zoas, along with the other corals, have exploded growth. All other parameters I kept the same, purposely, to see if lighting change can make the difference.

 

[FL-Reefer-addict352]

And make your lighting schedule longer like 10hr and watch things grow

 

[Sandroni]

Per my post above......................Let your tank mature a bit and try after 3-4 months.

Steve

I was thinking the same thing, I'd love to follow your progress with zoas

 

[Sandroni]

My zoa frags grew at a stubbornly slow pace for about two years in my 75g with T5 lights. I tried a bunch of different combos with ATI bulbs. 6 months ago I made the switch to SB Reefbrite LED's, and the zoas, along with the other corals, have exploded growth. All other parameters I kept the same, purposely, to see if lighting change can make the difference.

I have a kessil a80, but if I were to switch my lighting what would be the best choices?

 

[USMC4Life]

I have a kessil a80, but if I were to switch my lighting what would be the best choices?

Go to SBreeflights.com I had a light Frome them some one let me barrow for 2 months and I got to say all my corals went crazy with growth.